Not every family wants to sit through a 45-minute program or can carve out an hour of their busy schedules for a scheduled visit. And not every library has enough staff on a Saturday afternoon or weekday evening to lead a structured activity.

That’s exactly why I love self-directed drop-in programs.

For one Saturday family program, I set up a table with everything families needed to make their own DIY sensory and fidget toys. Supplies were laid out with trays (these are my FAVORITE) to collect everything into. Finished examples were displayed, and simple laminated instruction sheets explained how to make each project.

Families could stop in whenever they wanted, choose a project, gather their supplies, and find a place in the library to work.

No registration.

No formal presentation.

No required start time.

Just grab a tray and make something!

[Read: Designing a Fun and Engaging Sensory Play Program for Toddlers & Preschoolers]

The Projects

We made several simple sensory and fidget toys using inexpensive craft supplies. Descriptions are below, but you can grab all of the printable instructions and supply lists HERE.

I-Spy Jars

Participants added rice and a variety of small objects to their containers and then drew or listed the items on the index card to use as an answer key.

This is a particularly fun way to use up all of those little craft odds and ends that seem to accumulate in a supply closet! Think pony beads, buttons, mini erasers, small plastic animals, foam shapes, plastic jewels, charms, and other small objects.

Pony Bead Fidget Spinners

Participants threaded beads onto the pipe cleaner and taped it onto a popsicle stick, allowing the beads to spin and slide up and down.

Calm-Down Bottles

Using glue mixed with water allows the glitter and sequins to settle slowly after being shaken. Secure the lid with a strong glue like E6000 or hot glue.

Fidget Key chain

Perler Bead Fidget Spinners

Participants simply threaded beads onto the paper clips. This is all about using what you have on hand! Some kids made multiples and linked them together.

Important: Because these projects contain small pieces, make sure the activity is appropriate for your audience and provide appropriate adult supervision.

I’ve put the detailed printable instructions & supply lists sheets for these activities together in a ready-to-use DIY Sensory & Fidget Toy Program resource so you can easily recreate the program at your own library.

[Get the DIY Sensory & Fidget Toy Program Printable ]

The Setup Was the Easy Part

The key to making this program work was keeping everything organized.

Each project had its own:

• Supplies
• Trays
• Instruction sheet
• Finished example

Families could look at the examples, choose what they wanted to make, and gather what they needed on a tray to take back to a seating area.

Having trays made a HUGE difference.

Instead of children grabbing handfuls of supplies from a communal pile, they could take an instruction sheet and the listed supplies on a tray to any spot in the library to work on the project. They just simply return the tray when complete.

It also made cleanup much easier.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for your TAB group! Have them help set up, monitor the supply table, assist with fidget building, and clean up!

[Read: From Hanging Out to Having a Voice: Starting a Teen Advisory Board]

Keep the Instructions Simple

Since this was a self-directed program, the instruction sheets needed to be easy to follow.

I wasn’t trying to teach a craft class. I wanted a child and caregiver to be able to look at the sheet and think:

“Okay, I know what we’re doing. This makes sense.”

Pictures or finished examples can be especially helpful for younger participants. I recommend making one of every project ahead of time. Not only does it give families a visual example, but it gives you a chance to work out any confusing steps before the program begins. If you have teens volunteering, have them make one as well (they make great program guinea pigs!

Why This Format Works

This is the kind of program I would absolutely recommend for libraries that are short-staffed. Once the table is set up, the program doesn’t require someone to stand there and lead it every minute.

Families can arrive at different times, stay for ten minutes or an hour, can make one project or several, and can work independently or sit together as a family. Staff can still be available to help when someone needs assistance.

That makes this format especially useful for:

• Saturday programming
• Evening programs
• School breaks
• Family events
• Open houses
• Passive programming
• Busy library days
• Libraries with limited staffing

It also eliminates one of my least favorite things about registration-based programs:

Trying to predict exactly how many people are actually going to show up.

For a drop-in activity like this, you can prepare a reasonable amount of supplies, refill as needed, and let the program ebb and flow throughout the day.

[Read: Field Notes: Program registration – What have you found that actually works?]

You Don’t Need a Dedicated Program Room

Or a designated time.

Families can make their projects at tables throughout the library.

The goal isn’t to create a formal “program” space. It’s to create an invitation to participate.

A colorful display of supplies and a sign saying: CHOOSE A PROJECT! Grab a tray. Make something. Have fun! can be enough to get people curious.

There was no pressure. No “You need to be here at 1:00.” No worrying about missing the beginning.

Families simply stopped, looked at the projects, picked something that interested them, and started creating. And sometimes that’s exactly what families need from the library. A reason to stop for a while. Something to do together. A chance to make something with their hands. And a welcoming place to sit and spend some time.

Sometimes all you need is a table, some inexpensive supplies, a few good instructions, and the freedom to let families make it their own.

[Read: Passive Programming That Actually Works (and Why Most Doesn’t)]

Want to Try It at Your Library?

I’ve created a DIY Sensory & Fidget Toy Program Printable with ready-to-print instruction sheets you can put right on your activity table.

It’s designed specifically for this kind of low-prep, self-directed family program.

Set out the supplies.

Put out the trays.

And let the families take it from there!

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